What makes A Change of Heart by David Sanborn notable?

This album is significant for its commercial success, reaching high positions on jazz charts and contributing to the popularization of smooth jazz during the late 1980s. Critics praised it for its lush arrangements and Sanborn's emotive saxophone playing, cementing his place in the jazz landscape. By the time 'A Change of Heart' was released in 1987, David Sanborn was already an established artist known for his work on multiple influential albums. This album followed his successful release 'The Secrets Between Us' and showcased his growth as a composer and performer in the jazz fusion genre.

Who is A Change of Heart for?

A Change of Heart works well if you're into smooth background for dinner parties, steady pacing for relaxed evenings and sophisticated atmosphere for unwinding.

How many songs are on A Change of Heart?

A Change of Heart has 8 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

A Change of Heart

David Sanborn · 1987

41 min · 8 tracks · blues

Smooth saxophone melodies intertwine with sophisticated jazz rhythms, encapsulating a vibrant 80s jazz fusion aesthetic.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Chicago Song — The opener features a compelling blend of rhythmic grooves and melodic lines that highlight Sanborn's lyrical saxophone style, setting the tone for the entire album.
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A Change of Heart — This title track encapsulates the album's emotional core, showcasing Sanborn’s ability to convey vulnerability through his instrument while blending intricate harmonies.
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High Roller — With its energetic pace and catchy hooks, this track demonstrates Sanborn’s prowess in merging jazz sensibilities with pop influences, making it a standout piece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong saxophone melodies and sophisticated arrangements typical of late '80s smooth jazz.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong saxophone lead in 'Chicago Song', establishing a smooth jazz vibe that persists throughout.
Each track features intricate arrangements with layered instrumentation, often highlighting the saxophone as the primary voice.
Several tracks, such as 'Breaking Point' and 'A Change of Heart', incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, creating moments of tension and release.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

smooth background for dinner parties
steady pacing for relaxed evenings
sophisticated atmosphere for unwinding
inviting melodies for intimate moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy, fast tracks
seek abrupt dynamic shifts

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album contributed to Sanborn's wider recognition and success in the smooth jazz genre.
Themes: Chicago nightscapes· 80s jazz fusion
Career context: By the time 'A Change of Heart' was released in 1987, David Sanborn was already an established artist known for his work on multiple influential albums. This album followed his successful release 'The Secrets Between Us' and showcased his growth as a composer and performer in the jazz fusion genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Kenny G· Bob James· George Benson